WSF or GSCO

[rmyoung1]

I'm not a member of either organization, but I had been thinking about joining one or the other, and I wanted to get the opinions of folks here at HuntTalk. It's been my opinion (perhaps unfounded) that the Grand Slam Club/Ovis was sort of an organization of rich guys taking guided hunts who like to congratulate each other. The Wild Sheep Foundation seemed to be more committed to the mission of wild sheep conservation. Is that characterization at all fair or am I being way to critical? I think a lot of my personal bias comes out of the mess that was the lawsuit a few years back where GSCO sued the WSF over the use of the "grand slam" label. I thought that was lame at best. Plus, I grew up not too far from Cody, so that helps my opinion of WSF. I've never been to Birmingham, AL.

Thanks for the help. I appreciate and respect the opinions of the individuals who frequent this site. It's a great collection of knowledgeable sportsmen.

 

[Oak]

I would choose RMBS.

 

[Ben Lamb]

I'm a member of WSF. The local MT Chapter has done some incredible work for sheep and all wildlife & they are not afraid to advocate for conservation measures a lot of sporting groups would shy away from. Plus, Jim Weatherly is a total Badass.

I have been impressed with WSF staff & their ability to work behind the scenes to get things done. I know that the history is spotty, but I think that a group that puts a large majority of the money they raise on the ground deserves some support.

I don't know anything about GSCO.

RMBS is a great group as well. Even if they have a souless ginger as a president.

 

[Oak]

There is some good information on the 'net to help you decide.

THE GRAND SLAM CLUB/OVIS MISSION

Grand Slam Club/Ovis is an organization of hunter/conservationists dedicated to improving and perpetuating wild sheep and goat populations worldwide.

In March 2001, the Grand Slam Club and Ovis, Inc. merged into one organization and are now known as Grand Slam Club/Ovis. This organization is classified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. The purposes and objectives of Grand Slam Club/Ovis are to:

•Continue to be the established documentation and records-keeping organization for legally-taken Grand Slams of North American wild mountain sheep, Ovis World Slams of wild sheep of the world, and Capra World Slams of wild goats of the world.

•Encourage the use of legally issued permits, tags, and/or licenses for the hunting of wild mountain sheep and goats.

•Inform and educate people of the world about wild mountain sheep and goats.

•Use financial resources received from membership dues, donations, or fund-raising events to benefit, directly or indirectly, wild mountain sheep and goats by contributing these funds to/through established state, provincial, federal, or governmental game and wildlife agencies or other non-profit wildlife conservation organizations

GSC/O Funding: http://www.wildsheep.org/conservation/funding.htm

WSF MISSION

Vision
To be the best managed, most respected and most influential conservation organization in the world, for the benefit of all Stakeholders and Wild Sheep Worldwide.

Purpose
To Put and Keep Sheep on the Mountain™

Mission
We are dedicated to enhancing wild sheep populations, promoting professional wildlife management, educating the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting while promoting the interests of the hunter and all stakeholders.

Values
Honesty
Teamwork
Accountability
Integrity
Positive Attitude
Stewardship
Respect for others
Respect for wildlife
Loyalty
Hunting Ethics

WSF funding: http://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/Page.php/cp/Grant-In-Aid Funding

 

[rmyoung1]

Thanks, Oak. That does spell out the differences in black & white doesn't it?

 

[CabinFever]

Not that their individual national conventions can tell you everything about an organization, but much like Oak's post, its clear which one is dedicated to conservation. After being at several of each's conventions, WSF gets money from me yearly, and I'm not surprised that attendance at WSF has to be some 20x that of GSCO.

 

[BigHornRam]

WSF raises more money per member than any other wildlife organization. A lot of active dedicated members. Jim Weatherly is a great example of a dedicated conservationist. GSCO lost me as a member after the lawsuit.